Which material has better fatigue resistance for the sealing ring?

The fatigue resistance of the sealing ring is influenced by various factors such as material properties, working environment, design quality, usage frequency, and installation maintenance. Different materials and designs have significant differences in fatigue resistance. It is necessary to select the appropriate material and design parameters based on the specific scenario. The following is a detailed analysis of the fatigue resistance of the sealing ring:

The influence of material properties on fatigue resistance

Natural rubber: It has good elasticity and certain fatigue resistance, and can maintain its performance under repeated deformation. However, fatigue cracks may occur after long-term use.

Silicone rubber: It has good high-temperature and low-temperature resistance, but its fatigue resistance is relatively average. Its performance will decline after frequent compression and stretching.

Fluorine rubber: It has strong heat resistance and corrosion resistance, and is suitable for environments with high temperatures and corrosive media. Its fatigue resistance is superior to silicone rubber.

Polyurethane rubber: It has excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and good fatigue resistance. It is often used in scenarios where it needs to withstand frequent compression and stretching.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): It has excellent elastic recovery ability and anti-aging performance, and outstanding fatigue resistance. It is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for sealing performance.

The influence of working environment on fatigue resistance

High temperature: It accelerates rubber aging and reduces its fatigue resistance. For example, in high-temperature environments, sealing ring materials tend to soften or become brittle, resulting in performance degradation.

High pressure: It increases the wear and fatigue damage of the sealing ring. When the pressure is too high, the degree and speed of the sealing ring's repeated deformation increase, making it more prone to fatigue failure.

Corrosive media: It erodes the sealing ring material, resulting in a shortened fatigue life. For example, sweat, skin oils, and commonly used disinfectants can undergo chemical reactions with the sealing ring material, weakening its performance.

Temperature and pressure fluctuations: Intense temperature fluctuations cause materials to repeatedly expand and contract, accelerating fatigue failure. Frequent pressure fluctuations cause the sealing ring to bear additional stress, affecting its fatigue resistance.

The influence of design quality on fatigue resistance

Reasonable design: It can reduce local stress concentration and avoid premature fatigue failure of the material. Common sealing structures such as O-rings, V-rings, and groove rings are suitable for different pressure, temperature, and medium environments. During design, the clearance between the sealing piece and the mating surface, compression rate, and elastic recovery performance must be reasonably controlled. Excessive or uneven compression will lead to permanent deformation, loss of elasticity, and sealing failure.

Detail design: Avoiding sharp corners, adding chamfers, and selecting appropriate sealing piece sizes can reduce mechanical stress concentration. Multi-lip sealing design can achieve multi-level sealing effects, improving the leak prevention capability; sealed structures with built-in springs can improve the self-adjustment ability of the seal, adapting to temperature and pressure fluctuations, thereby providing more stable sealing performance and longer service life.

The influence of usage frequency on fatigue resistance

Frequent use: It will cause the sealing ring to wear more severely, shortening its service life. For example, in an air pressure therapy device, the sealing ring needs to withstand frequent compression and stretching during each treatment, and sealing rings made of ordinary rubber materials are prone to cracks, leading to pressure leakage.

Installation and maintenance: Improper installation may cause the sealing ring to be damaged, deformed, or not sealed properly, significantly shortening its service life. For instance, installation that is too tight may cause the sealing ring to deform or tear, while installation that is too loose will not effectively seal and cause leakage.

Maintenance and care: Regular cleaning and inspection can maintain the cleanliness and performance of the sealing ring, and timely replacement of aged and worn sealing rings can effectively prevent leakage and damage, extending its service life.

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